Jonathan Swezey Raynor, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, and mentor, passed away on February 6, 2025, at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Quiogue. He was 74.
Jonathan was born on March 30, 1950, the son of Robert Clinton Raynor and Dorothy Raynor (née Swezey). He was raised in Remsenburg and graduated from Westhampton Beach High School before attending SUNY Oswego, where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betsy” Gaylord. The two married in 1973 and shared a lifetime of love and partnership until Betsy’s passing from glioblastoma in March of last year.
A lifelong educator both in and out of the classroom, Jonathan spent his career teaching, mentoring, and leading by example. Before obtaining his Master’s degree and teaching certification, Jonathan had a successful lawn care business. Although he was only a handful of years older than his employees, he thought of himself more as a teacher than a boss.
In 1980, Jonathan began his career at South Manor School District where he taught junior high Social Studies for many years. After South Manor’s merger with Eastport, he added Theater Arts and Stagecraft electives to his course offerings. It was as a Stagecraft teacher and as the Technical Director for over 25 school theater productions that he will be best remembered by generations of former students—however, Jon took on countless other roles (officially and unofficially) to support his students and colleagues.
Jonathan was a man who valued relationships above all else. Whether it was family, students, colleagues, or community members, he was known for his willingness to help, his dependability, and his reputation for never saying “no.” He was the person people turned to when they needed support, guidance, or simply a helping hand.
In his final months, Jonathan faced serious health challenges with remarkable strength. On November 14, he underwent emergency surgery to repair a ruptured aortic aneurysm. His initial recovery was swift, but a rare and severe allergic reaction to the blood thinner heparin led to complications, including a stroke. Undeterred, he dedicated himself to rehabilitation and was making steady progress when he contracted a bacterial infection that colonized the artificial valve and graft in his repaired aorta. He ultimately succumbed to endocarditis, passing peacefully in hospice care.
Jonathan is survived by his sons, Nathaniel Robert (Marybeth) and Clinton William (Elizabeth); his beloved grandchildren, Charlotte and Owen; his sisters, Deborah Johnson (Kenneth) and Samantha Raynor (Randel); his cousins, Catherine Shapiro (Jonathan), Cornelia “Nina” Aiston, and George Fournier, as well as his extended family and in-laws.
Jonathan will be remembered for his selflessness, his quiet but steadfast love for his family, and his deep sense of responsibility to others. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, both in and out of the classroom.
Details of a celebration to honor Jonathan’s life and memory will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East End Hospice, the Ketcham Inn Foundation, or the Eastport-South Manor Community for the Arts.
Staff Writer on Feb 19, 2025